A Strong, Intelligent, Compassionate Speech

Posted on by under Economic issues, Election 2024, Global Issues, guns, History, Law and justice, Political commentary, Racism & Bigotry

The president spoke non-stop for over an hour, stuttered only a few times (I, too, am a stutterer and would not have done nearly as well as he did!), and gave a passionate, intelligent, well-reasoned speech.  There were one or two points on which I might have disagreed, but not strongly.  I have some views on his speech, as I’m sure those of you who watched it do, and I’ll share them here, and be happy to hear what you thought, as well.

First, over the past several months, I have heard many say that President Biden is too old for the job, that his mental acuity is declining.  Folks, let me tell you something … if you watched the speech last night, there can be no doubt that he is as sharp as ever!  I could not have given a speech for that long, incorporated that much, and still had the stamina to shake hands with a few hundred people as I tried to leave the building!  He knew what he wanted to say, was passionate in his views, empathetic where empathy was called for, and he was strong where strength was needed!  He made no bones about the divided Congress and some of the Republican antics, and he plainly stated that if certain bills came to his desk, he would veto them!

He did something that has not been done before, as far as I know, in the history of State of the Union Addresses … he gained bipartisan agreement to an issue.  He garnered a verbal agreement to take cutting Social Security and Medicare off the negotiating table in cost cutting discussions connected to raising the debt ceiling.  That, folks, may not seem like much, but believe me … it is.

He had energy, he had passion, he has a strong desire to overcome the partisan obstacles that are hindering this nation.  Those who say he is too old … think again.  Yes, he is old and in that, my biggest concern would be that something – a stroke, heart attack, or death – would overtake him at some point, but … John F. Kennedy was the youngest president when he was elected in 1960 … and look what happened.  To those who claim he is too old and shouldn’t run again, I ask you this:  Who better?

Give me a name … tell me who else you see out there who could not only win an election in 21 months, but also lead this nation as well as President Biden is doing?  I can think of a number of younger Democrats who, at some point in the future, might well be excellent presidential material:  Pete Buttigieg, Cory Booker, Hakeem Jeffries come to mind almost immediately.  But not today.  First, none have the name recognition nor backing, the political capital, that would be needed to propel them into the Oval Office.  Second, given the rising climate of bigotry, propelled by many Republicans such as Ron DeSantis … well, you see the problem.  Of those three, one is LGBTQ and the other two are Black.  No, it shouldn’t matter … it really doesn’t matter … but it would quite probably be enough to keep them from winning the election in 2024.

I hate that presidential elections now last for the entire two years prior to the actual election.  It means a number of things:  we are deluged with campaign ads and requests for donations for two full years; our elected officials are too busy campaigning for the next election to do their jobs now; the dynamics turn on a dime and the potential candidate who is ‘on top’ today may sink to the bottom tomorrow based on one leaked piece of information, whether fact or fiction.  It’s like being on an out-of-control carousel!  That said, it doesn’t change, so we must face the reality and prepare for it.

If the Democrats continue bemoaning President Biden’s age and occasional stutter, if they keep saying he shouldn’t run, that he isn’t mentally sharp, yet they have no better option, they are in effect handing the 2024 election to whichever Republican candidate becomes the nominee, likely Ron DeSantis.  The Democrats need to bite the bullet, such as it is, band together and throw their full support behind the president.  If they fail to do this, the party will be too divided to make an effective showing in 2024 and will hand the presidency to the Republican Party.

President Biden was impressive last night … his record of accomplishments, coupled with his strong address last night prove he’s still up to the task of leading this nation.  He is intelligent, and of equal importance, he is a genuinely good person who cares deeply about people — ALL people.  Unless Democrats have an HiH (Hero in Hiding), a John F. Kennedy or some other candidate with “the right stuff”, then they need to unite behind the candidate who has already accomplished much and who has what it takes, despite his age, to get the job done.

So … what did you think of his speech?

27 thoughts on “A Strong, Intelligent, Compassionate Speech”

  2. Excellent take, Jill. I, too, have been one of those Dems who think he should not run, specifically because of his age. Nothing else. However, he was impressive the other night. I couldn’t have been more pleased with how he goaded the idiot GOP to pledge not to touch Social Security or Medicare. A stroke of political genius, if you ask me. I’m still a little apprehensive about him running again, but I will PROUDLY vote for him if he decides to do it. I imagine that an official announcement, whether he does or doesn’t run, will be coming soon. Again, if not him, who?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks so much, Jeff! If … IF … there were someone younger, highly qualified, and with political capital enough to win the election, I would agree that Biden should step down after this term. But there isn’t. Cory Booker may well be a great candidate … in 2028 or 2032. So might others. But, name recognition is more than 50% of the battle, and neither Cory nor others have it yet. Sigh. Meanwhile, Biden showed us that he’s still up for the job, that he is quietly working behind the scenes and “getting ‘er done”, so … let’s not reinvent the wheel.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Not from thisbspeech alone, but over the past 2 years Biden has proved he can do the Office of the President proud. Unless someone unexpected comes along, Biden deserves another 4 years. And I opp9sed hin in 2020.

    Liked by 1 person

    • That says a lot, coming from you, my friend! Yes, I well remember that you opposed him, but if he has proven himself even to you, that speaks volumes. I don’t see anybody in the spotlight who will be ready and able to step into Biden’s shoes within two years … so … why throw out the baby with the bathwater? He’s doing a good job despite tremendous odds, so they (Republicans) need to sit down and shut up!

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  4. President Biden beautifully handled the lying smug GOP white trash without batting and eye. Like simpletons they fell into his trap re the plans the have for cutting or abolishing Social Security and medicate . Our own congress man from Florida Rick Scott is gung ho to do just that and has presented His plan in writing and all the booing and gaping mouths ( white trash ) won’t change that many agree with Rick. When Biden directly said “ then we shouldn’t have a problem with that” in response to their reaction Helga’s caught them in their own trap. Congratulations Biden!

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  5. I thought it was an excellent speech but I did not hear him garnr agreement that Social Security and Medicare were safe, what I heard was him trick rhopposition into saying they had no intent to go after it which millions of people have now heard.Thewy are always less than honest though so you can expect changes of mind and cries of’We never said that’.The big sticking point will be raising the taxes of big coporations and billionaireswhich they will never agree to.But it has to be done.I wish he’d mentioned the Department of Justice and Progres on trying the promulgators of Jan 6th to give hope to some that justice will prevail.

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    • Well, I suppose you could say he ‘tricked’ them, but they opened that door … opened it WIDE! And Kevin McCarthy gave it the nod. But still, there are elements in the GOP who have plans to gut Social Security and Medicare, though I don’t think they’ll succeed, at least not right now, though I fear for the future if a Republican is elected to the Oval Office in 2024.

      Did you notice Merrick Garland in the audience? The cameras zoomed in on him multiple times. I understand why Biden didn’t mention that, though … it would not have been really apropos for this venue. I do hope, though, that we see some movement on that in the very near future!

      Cwtch

      Liked by 1 person

      • I think they all have plans to gut Social Security and Medicare, iit’s inbuilt into their make-up, especially Ms Greene who wears too much of the stuff. But at least some of them will have to deny it for now. As for Merrik Garland, It may be that Biden didn’t mention him as thee’s nohing on the horizon frrom his direction or his department. I confess, it’s my biggest worry, a Republican Preident and majority in 2024. I’d have to move to America just for the pleasure of stomping my foot and leaving.
        Cwtch

        Liked by 2 people

        • They do. Senator Scott of Florida put together an 11-point plan a year or so ago that calls for having to re-establish such things as Social Security and Medicare every 5 years. WHY should we all have to pay into a system every payday, not knowing whether we will ever see a dime of benefits, for all it would take would be a Republican Congress and Republican President to completely gut it? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. They can’t do anything about it right now, as the Republicans do NOT have a majority in the Senate, and there is a Democrat in the White House, but … in 2025??? Who knows? I share your biggest worry, but I keep telling myself that with so many different lawsuits against Trump in New York and Georgia and Florida, even if Garland fails us, Trump will surely be off the ticket by November 2024. Still, he is a criminal who defrauded this nation and attempted to overturn the government, and he should be made to pay. Sigh.
          Cwtch

          Liked by 1 person

  6. Hi, Jill–I think you’ve done a terrific job with this post; two important points are asking who else could replace him and warning the Democrats that they better get wholeheartedly on board this admittedly slower, but oh-so-steady train. (They don’t call him Amtrak Joe for nothing.) I’ve posted several pieces about Biden as a transformational figure–most recently yesterday. He is, in fact, transforming our economy with the major legislation he’s succeeded in getting through a Congress that is so divided. If we reelect him in 2024 with a Congress that will support passing the family-friendly portion of his agenda that the R’s + Manchema torpedoed, our nation can finally move beyond the dreadful economic inequalities that have worsened over four decades.

    It wasn’t just that the speech was good; his delivery was masterful. The standing ovation for protecting Social Security and Medicare was a brilliant piece of stagecraft. (But the Rs have been after privatizing Social Security/Medicare for years, so we need to be vigilant.) I love this quote by a USA Today writer that I saw reprinted: “I’ve never seen anything like it in a State of the Union speech–they ran at him like a pack of lemmings and, with a wink and a grin, he politely directed them to the cliff.”

    Do I wish the President were ten years younger? Sure, and I bet he does too. But other countries realize that the experience and wisdom accompanying age are often invaluable assets in leaders. We’re lucky to have him at the helm.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much, Annie!!! You’re so right … it wasn’t only WHAT he said, but HOW he said it. I loved his humour when the hecklers started up … he took it with a grain of salt and tossed it back to them. I’ve been pleased today to see that most of the commentary on his speech has been positive (omitting such as Fox/Trump/NewsMax) and several said it was the best speech he has ever given. I’m inclined to agree. I can personally vouch for the results of at least one of his programs, as I now pay only $70 per month for my two types of insulin, rather than nearly $1,000 every month! It seems to me that many in the Republican Party care not one whit about the average Joe in this country, and ultimately that has to come back to bite them. Meanwhile, I’m thankful we have President Biden!

      Like you, sure I wish he were ten years younger, but then … I wish I were ten years younger, too! I remember back in the years 2017-2020, going to bed every night and being unable to sleep for the worries of the world weighing on my heart. I don’t feel that way anymore … when i go to bed, I feel that we are in good hands. Oh sure, there are a gadzillion problems, the nation is so divided, guns, education, Republicans … all are worrying. But overall, I feel we are much safer today than we were four years ago. You’re right … we are lucky to have President Biden at the helm.

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  8. Jill, I did not watch the speech. My other-half is staunchly Republican and I really didn’t care to listen to his snide remarks. 😖 However, I have read several comments about it (especially Heather’s report) so I’m well aware that most feel he did an admirable job.

    However, one must acknowledge that reading a speech written by a talented speechwriter is pretty much guaranteed to be praiseworthy. Nevertheless, I do agree his list of accomplishments are worthy of praise.

    I also agree with you that if Biden chooses not to run again (which, from what I’ve read, seems doubtful), there are no dynamos waiting in the wings to take his place. And IMO, this is unfortunate. Nevertheless, if this is how things end up, obviously he will have my vote … along with crossed fingers that the handicaps of his age do not become front and center.

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    • Oh Nan! My heart goes out to you! I think if I lived with a diehard Republican I’d have either killed him or myself by now! So, I fully understand why you didn’t watch it, but I’m sure there are a number of transcripts out there if you want to read what he said. Better yet, try to find a clip and watch it when hubby isn’t home, for Biden truly did come across as energetic, caring, and firm.

      I do agree that I wish there was a great option waiting in the wings, an ELECTABLE option, once with intellect, charisma, compassion, and the ability to talk to the cameras. We do need to start working on that, for 2028, if not sooner. But for today, I’m quite pleased with Joe Biden. Do I wish he was 20 years younger? Sure … but then, I wish I was 20 years younger, too! I do think that he’s a good, solid president and that if he can just stay healthy, he’s our best bet for next year.

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